Best Castlevania (Castleroids only)

Seldane · 05/13/2007, 02:24 PM

Konami's been pumping out practically identical Castlevania games for years now. Which one's the best?

I have to say Symphony of the Night. I consider it one of the best games in the history of the universe (along with Halo 1 and some Zelda games) and I'm not a fan of the other games in the series... aside from Dawn of Sorrow, which I actually enjoyed quite a lot... With the volume turned off though.

Turbo D · 05/13/2007, 02:33 PM

I voted harmony of dissonance because it is seriously a kick ass game.

RuninRuder · 05/13/2007, 02:37 PM

Ugh, I hate them all.

gundarN · 05/13/2007, 04:20 PM

I own a few of them and they all seem to blend into one game in the end.
Very good though.

Kitsunexus · 05/13/2007, 04:37 PM

I don't really like any of them. I just like the music.

My favorite Castlevania track is the disco remix of "Opposing Bloodlines" used in Level 1 of Castlevania: Dracula X for the SNES.

Download it now.

OldRover · 05/13/2007, 04:47 PM

None of the above. My favorite Castlevania games are Simon's Quest and Rondo Of Blood.

termis · 05/13/2007, 05:57 PM

Haven't played anything beyond SoN.

But I also like nodtvedit's choices, followed by Super Castlevania IV.

CrackTiger · 05/13/2007, 06:40 PM

None of the 'castleroids' can touch CotM in terms of real actual gameplay and design.

Seldane · 05/13/2007, 08:45 PM

The level design is great in COTM, I agree with that, but I find the game flawed in many ways besides that.

ParanoiaDragon · 05/13/2007, 08:52 PM

CotM is my least favorite, with SotN right above it. Though, SotN be almost my least favorite, might have to do, with the fact that I didn't play it, until after I had played CotM, DoS, AoS, & HoD(in that order). I then played PoR after SotN. I really like PoR, but I'd probably put it below DoS, though, DoS, has a slight annoyance, when you have to use the touch pad to seal a boss

But, I just plain love these types of games. I also like Scurge Hive, though, I haven't gotten to far into it, plus, it ain't side scrolling, so, it's a little different.

Joe Redifer · 05/13/2007, 09:09 PM

I picked SotN, but I am biased because I played it when it was called Nocturne in the Moonlight. Here's my awesome story:

I was the first kid on my block to get Dracula X for the PC Engine brand new when it came out. It was great and it made many people feign friendship towards me so they could get a chance to play such a rad new game! The experience was great. After awhile I had this shitty new piece of equipment called a Playstation. It's graphics were all blocky and warped. They caused diarrhea on more than one occasion. I modded my PS so it could play great Japanese games like Choro-Q. Then I heard they were making a direct sequel to Dracula X on this system. Yay me! So a friend bought the game when it came out and it was called Dracula X - Nocturne in the Motherfuckin' Moonlight. I borrowed the game and made an awesome CD-R copy since I was a criminal. It was great hearing the dramatic Japanese voiceover and great music. It was awesome. I was jaded. Then people started talking about how hard the US version sucked ass. Then I heard the voices. They were bad. Not even "so-bad-it's good" bad, but much worse. I was angry.

So I can see why people would hate this game since they didn't have the awesome first experience with it that I did. You may now commence being jealous of me.

Tatsujin · 05/13/2007, 09:24 PM

gekka no yasoukyoku wins with light-years ahead.

PCEngineHell · 05/13/2007, 11:20 PM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 05/13/2007, 09:09 PMI picked SotN, but I am biased because I played it when it was called Nocturne in the Moonlight. Here's my awesome story:

I was the first kid on my block to get Dracula X for the PC Engine brand new when it came out. It was great and it made many people feign friendship towards me so they could get a chance to play such a rad new game! The experience was great. After awhile I had this shitty new piece of equipment called a Playstation. It's graphics were all blocky and warped. They caused diarrhea on more than one occasion. I modded my PS so it could play great Japanese games like Choro-Q. Then I heard they were making a direct sequel to Dracula X on this system. Yay me! So a friend bought the game when it came out and it was called Dracula X - Nocturne in the Motherfuckin' Moonlight. I borrowed the game and made an awesome CD-R copy since I was a criminal. It was great hearing the dramatic Japanese voiceover and great music. It was awesome. I was jaded. Then people started talking about how hard the US version sucked ass. Then I heard the voices. They were bad. Not even "so-bad-it's good" bad, but much worse. I was angry.

So I can see why people would hate this game since they didn't have the awesome first experience with it that I did. You may now commence being jealous of me.

I refused to play the PSX version,US or Japanese release. I played through the Saturn version twice. That is the only version of the game I will touch.

TR0N · 05/13/2007, 11:21 PM

Castlevania SOTN all the way even while konami keeps trying to top, SOTN they fall short still.

Joe Redifer · 05/13/2007, 11:23 PM

After playing ASStal on the Saturn, I always felt that the console would be able to make a great Castlevania game. But it appeared on the PS first. And when they made the Saturn version, it was simply a lousy port with a few new backgrounds and a couple new tunes. If it had been programmed from scratch for the console, it would have rocked hardcore, even more hardcore than Billy Squire!

esteban · 05/14/2007, 12:39 AM

Problem: You can't have a poll of the "best" games in a series when they are not listed as choices!

Castlevania I-III on NES trounce all of the choices, for starters...

ParanoiaDragon · 05/14/2007, 02:05 AM

Well, as for SotN, they'll probably redub the voice acting for the new version on PSP, & maybe they'll even include the new areas & whatever music was new in the Saturn version. But, it's still speculation for now.

Seldane · 05/14/2007, 09:36 AM

Quote from: stevek666 on 05/14/2007, 12:39 AMProblem: You can't have a poll of the "best" games in a series when they are not listed as choices!

Castlevania I-III on NES trounce all of the choices, for starters...

Castleroids only.

As for the Saturn version of SOTN... well, I love that you can play as Maria, that triple jump is tons of fun. But I find the game practically unplayable due to the incredibly low frame rate and the massive amount of slowdowns. When directly comparing the Saturn and PS1 versions, it's plain painful to play the Saturn one. Nasty port.

Keranu · 05/14/2007, 01:13 PM

I haven't played them all, but I have never really been fond of any of them. It's strange because I love games that mix genres like that and since I love Metroid and think normal Castlevania games are ok, I thought for sure these games would be for me. Instead they just bore the hell outta me.

guyjin · 05/14/2007, 08:04 PM

What, exactly, is a 'castleroid'? I assumed it meant the more free-form exploration games, but that would include Simon's Quest...

Kitsunexus · 05/14/2007, 08:08 PM

Quote from: guyjin on 05/14/2007, 08:04 PMWhat, exactly, is a 'castleroid'?

Hemorrhoids for castles? ¯\(º_o)/¯

Keranu · 05/14/2007, 08:53 PM

Quote from: guyjin on 05/14/2007, 08:04 PMWhat, exactly, is a 'castleroid'? I assumed it meant the more free-form exploration games, but that would include Simon's Quest...

Castlevania + Metroid

guyjin · 05/14/2007, 10:54 PM

I realize the root of the portmanteau. But why isn't Simon's Quest a castleroid?

Keranu · 05/14/2007, 11:04 PM

I think Simon's Quest is omitted because it doesn't take place in one huge dungeon throughout the whole game and the power ups aren't quite as Metroidish.

esteban · 05/15/2007, 12:56 AM

Quote from: guyjin on 05/14/2007, 10:54 PMI realize the root of the portmanteau. But why isn't Simon's Quest a castleroid?

The word of the day is..... portmanteau!

Kitsunexus · 05/15/2007, 09:26 AM

I akways confuse that word with portamento, which makes me think of glidy Moog leads.

CrackTiger · 05/15/2007, 08:02 PM

Quote from: Keranu on 05/14/2007, 11:04 PMI think Simon's Quest is omitted because it doesn't take place in one huge dungeon throughout the whole game and the power ups aren't quite as Metroidish.

I've always found the castle-confined play area to be the biggest weakness of the Castletroids.

I've been dying for quality remake of Simon's Quest ever since it came out.

Seldane · 05/15/2007, 08:23 PM

That would be neat for sure. I consider Simon's Quest one of the best games for the NES. The Angry Nintendo Nerd's review of it pisses me off.

CrackTiger · 05/15/2007, 08:45 PM

Quote from: Seldane on 05/15/2007, 08:23 PMThat would be neat for sure. I consider Simon's Quest one of the best games for the NES. The Angry Nintendo Nerd's review of it pisses me off.

Unfortunately, thats the whole point.

I'm surprised that he's still gets attention using the same old routine.

Kitsunexus · 05/15/2007, 09:02 PM

Q: Was the Angry Nintendo Nerd ever funny?

A: No.

TR0N · 05/15/2007, 10:38 PM

Quote from: Seldane on 05/15/2007, 08:23 PMThat would be neat for sure. I consider Simon's Quest one of the best games for the NES. The Angry Nintendo Nerd's review of it pisses me off.

I just ignore what he thinks about Simon's Quest.

Granted, he rants alot for his reviews still it's just a act afther all.

Any time the, Famicom is out i play simon's quest for a quick run since it's a short game.

Worst castlevania naw... still if you ask me if it could have been more i'd say yes.

Joe Redifer · 05/15/2007, 11:04 PM

The AVGN does make valid points about Castlevania Simon's Quest, especially the fact that you MUST read the slowly appearing text every time day turns into night and vice-versa... again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again. Lame. Also the fact about the invisible holes in the floor. Also lame. To me Simon's Quest is by far the least "Castlevania-ish" of them all... and the least enjoyable to play. If you want a short game, try Castlevania 1.

Keranu · 05/15/2007, 11:09 PM

Quote from: guest on 05/15/2007, 08:02 PM
Quote from: Keranu on 05/14/2007, 11:04 PMI think Simon's Quest is omitted because it doesn't take place in one huge dungeon throughout the whole game and the power ups aren't quite as Metroidish.
I've always found the castle-confined play area to be the biggest weakness of the Castletroids.

I've been dying for quality remake of Simon's Quest ever since it came out.

I completely agree. Maybe I have ADD or something, but I hate the feeling of being stuck in the same castle throughout the whole game, kinda like how movies that take place in one location throughout the whole movie generally make me feel uncomfortable as well. Strangely enough, I didn't mind this situation in Metroid.

Oh and I love the Angry Nintendo Nerd, even though a lot of games he disses are ones I like. He's a funny guy, no matter what he's talking about.

termis · 05/16/2007, 12:59 AM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 05/15/2007, 11:04 PMIf you want a short game, try Castlevania 1.

Castlevania I was fun, but oh man it was brutal. Grim reaper must've kicked my ass 4 billion times before I got in the last lucky shot to beat him.

TR0N · 05/16/2007, 01:08 AM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 05/15/2007, 11:04 PMThe AVGN does make valid points about Castlevania Simon's Quest, especially the fact that you MUST read the slowly appearing text every time day turns into night and vice-versa... again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again. Lame. Also the fact about the invisible holes in the floor. Also lame. To me Simon's Quest is by far the least "Castlevania-ish" of them all... and the least enjoyable to play. If you want a short game, try Castlevania 1.

That's why i feel castlevania II should have been more.

The lack of boss's and the lack of difficulty as well not to mention, how vague the clues were where to go next and all.

Nuff said.

ParanoiaDragon · 05/16/2007, 03:19 AM

Quote from: Keranu on 05/15/2007, 11:09 PM
Quote from: guest on 05/15/2007, 08:02 PM
Quote from: Keranu on 05/14/2007, 11:04 PMI think Simon's Quest is omitted because it doesn't take place in one huge dungeon throughout the whole game and the power ups aren't quite as Metroidish.
I've always found the castle-confined play area to be the biggest weakness of the Castletroids.

I've been dying for quality remake of Simon's Quest ever since it came out.
I completely agree. Maybe I have ADD or something, but I hate the feeling of being stuck in the same castle throughout the whole game, kinda like how movies that take place in one location throughout the whole movie generally make me feel uncomfortable as well. Strangely enough, I didn't mind this situation in Metroid.

Oh and I love the Angry Nintendo Nerd, even though a lot of games he disses are ones I like. He's a funny guy, no matter what he's talking about.

Yeah, but K, all the different levels in the Castle, don't necessarily look like a castle, so it's like a whole world in a castle! And Portrait of Ruin ventures outside the castle ALOT.....well, depending on your pov.

CrackTiger · 05/16/2007, 08:32 AM

Quote from: ParanoiaDragon on 05/16/2007, 03:19 AM
Quote from: Keranu on 05/15/2007, 11:09 PM
Quote from: CrackTiger on 05/15/2007, 08:02 PM
Quote from: Keranu on 05/14/2007, 11:04 PMI think Simon's Quest is omitted because it doesn't take place in one huge dungeon throughout the whole game and the power ups aren't quite as Metroidish.
I've always found the castle-confined play area to be the biggest weakness of the Castletroids.

I've been dying for quality remake of Simon's Quest ever since it came out.
I completely agree. Maybe I have ADD or something, but I hate the feeling of being stuck in the same castle throughout the whole game, kinda like how movies that take place in one location throughout the whole movie generally make me feel uncomfortable as well. Strangely enough, I didn't mind this situation in Metroid.

Oh and I love the Angry Nintendo Nerd, even though a lot of games he disses are ones I like. He's a funny guy, no matter what he's talking about.
Yeah, but K, all the different levels in the Castle, don't necessarily look like a castle, so it's like a whole world in a castle! And Portrait of Ruin ventures outside the castle ALOT.....well, depending on your pov.

Yeah, but PD, one of the things that I'd like is some towns/villages with different shops and maybe a decent number of characters to interact with.

I am aware that PoR does some different stuff, but isn't also more of a level based game this time too(I haven't played it)?

Seldane · 05/16/2007, 09:42 AM

Quote from: Keranu on 05/15/2007, 11:09 PM
Quote from: guest on 05/15/2007, 08:02 PM
Quote from: Keranu on 05/14/2007, 11:04 PMI think Simon's Quest is omitted because it doesn't take place in one huge dungeon throughout the whole game and the power ups aren't quite as Metroidish.
I've always found the castle-confined play area to be the biggest weakness of the Castletroids.

I've been dying for quality remake of Simon's Quest ever since it came out.
I completely agree. Maybe I have ADD or something, but I hate the feeling of being stuck in the same castle throughout the whole game, kinda like how movies that take place in one location throughout the whole movie generally make me feel uncomfortable as well. Strangely enough, I didn't mind this situation in Metroid.

Oh and I love the Angry Nintendo Nerd, even though a lot of games he disses are ones I like. He's a funny guy, no matter what he's talking about.

I love the Angry Video Game Nerd as well, every video except for the Simon's Quest one. Hilarious stuff, and he's always right (again, except for the SQ one).

Keranu · 05/16/2007, 04:25 PM

Quote from: ParanoiaDragon on 05/16/2007, 03:19 AMYeah, but K, all the different levels in the Castle, don't necessarily look like a castle, so it's like a whole world in a castle! And Portrait of Ruin ventures outside the castle ALOT.....well, depending on your pov.

I know, but for the life of me I can't figure out why this bothers me when some places look very different than others! The strangest part is that in Metroid the only difference between locations was a simple color swap, but it didn't bother me as much for some reason. Maybe I just prefer weird alien planets over castles?

ParanoiaDragon · 05/17/2007, 01:27 AM

Quote from: guest on 05/16/2007, 08:32 AM
Quote from: ParanoiaDragon on 05/16/2007, 03:19 AM
Quote from: Keranu on 05/15/2007, 11:09 PM
Quote from: guest on 05/15/2007, 08:02 PM
Quote from: Keranu on 05/14/2007, 11:04 PMI think Simon's Quest is omitted because it doesn't take place in one huge dungeon throughout the whole game and the power ups aren't quite as Metroidish.
I've always found the castle-confined play area to be the biggest weakness of the Castletroids.

I've been dying for quality remake of Simon's Quest ever since it came out.
I completely agree. Maybe I have ADD or something, but I hate the feeling of being stuck in the same castle throughout the whole game, kinda like how movies that take place in one location throughout the whole movie generally make me feel uncomfortable as well. Strangely enough, I didn't mind this situation in Metroid.

Oh and I love the Angry Nintendo Nerd, even though a lot of games he disses are ones I like. He's a funny guy, no matter what he's talking about.
Yeah, but K, all the different levels in the Castle, don't necessarily look like a castle, so it's like a whole world in a castle! And Portrait of Ruin ventures outside the castle ALOT.....well, depending on your pov.
Yeah, but PD, one of the things that I'd like is some towns/villages with different shops and maybe a decent number of characters to interact with.

I am aware that PoR does some different stuff, but isn't also more of a level based game this time too(I haven't played it)?

When you say level based, do you mean, stage 1, stage 2, etc.? It's a Castleroid, so, you have exp. & various weapons you find or buy, & there's basically a castle, & then, you go into these portraits, which are levels seperate from eachother, of which, you can keep going into, if you missed something somewhere, but, it's still a Castleroid. You don't go thru levels from begining to end, like you would in RoB.

CrackTiger · 05/17/2007, 08:22 AM

Quote from: ParanoiaDragon on 05/17/2007, 01:27 AM
Quote from: CrackTiger on 05/16/2007, 08:32 AMI am aware that PoR does some different stuff, but isn't also more of a level based game this time too(I haven't played it)?
When you say level based, do you mean, stage 1, stage 2, etc.? It's a Castleroid, so, you have exp. & various weapons you find or buy, & there's basically a castle, & then, you go into these portraits, which are levels seperate from eachother, of which, you can keep going into, if you missed something somewhere, but, it's still a Castleroid. You don't go thru levels from begining to end, like you would in RoB.

It still sounds like a bunch of levels connected by a hub.

Seldane · 05/17/2007, 09:10 AM

The problem with Portrait is that it consists of many small, simple areas rather than one huge, complex area. It takes away everything that this genre is about: exploration.

nat · 05/17/2007, 11:39 AM

My Castleroids have been giving me hell lately.

My doctor says less time on the toilet is a MUST.

ParanoiaDragon · 05/18/2007, 02:24 AM

Which is why I like DoS better. I like the one gigantic level thing.

CrackTiger · 05/18/2007, 08:14 AM

Quote from: Tron on 05/16/2007, 01:08 AM
Quote from: Joe Redifer on 05/15/2007, 11:04 PMThe AVGN does make valid points about Castlevania Simon's Quest, especially the fact that you MUST read the slowly appearing text every time day turns into night and vice-versa... again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again. Lame. Also the fact about the invisible holes in the floor. Also lame. To me Simon's Quest is by far the least "Castlevania-ish" of them all... and the least enjoyable to play. If you want a short game, try Castlevania 1.
That's why i feel castlevania II should have been more.

The lack of boss's and the lack of difficulty as well not to mention, how vague the clues were where to go next and all.

Nuff said.

Weren't there just about as many bosses as Castlevania I?

Seldane · 05/18/2007, 09:42 AM

Quote from: guest on 05/18/2007, 08:14 AMWeren't there just about as many bosses as Castlevania I?

Nah, Castlevania 1 features a boss at the end of each level (six total), and two bosses at the final one (so seven total, in the entire game). Unless you were talking about the MSX game.

Castlevania 2 features, what, three bosses? Maybe even two. I don't quite remember. Dracula, the crying mask and ... I think there's one more, but I'm not sure.

CrackTiger · 05/18/2007, 08:16 PM

Quote from: Seldane on 05/18/2007, 09:42 AM
Quote from: CrackTiger on 05/18/2007, 08:14 AMWeren't there just about as many bosses as Castlevania I?
Nah, Castlevania 1 features a boss at the end of each level (six total), and two bosses at the final one (so seven total, in the entire game). Unless you were talking about the MSX game.

Castlevania 2 features, what, three bosses? Maybe even two. I don't quite remember. Dracula, the crying mask and ... I think there's one more, but I'm not sure.

I haven't played through it in over a decade. I thought that there were at least 4 castles with bosses other than Dracula.

It now sounds less daunting to take on. Maybe I'll give it a try this weekend.

Joe Redifer · 05/18/2007, 08:41 PM

Every time I play Castlevania 2, I have no clue what I am supposed to do.

Turbo D · 06/05/2007, 06:30 AM

Ya, that one really sux. It doesn't even feel like castlevania.

guyjin · 06/05/2007, 09:12 AM

Your mom doesn't feel like a woman.

Best Castlevania (Castleroids only)

Which Castlevania game that totally ripped off Metroid do you prefer?